Union Names Lynchburg Teacher Outstanding Educator

Union Names Lynchburg Teacher Outstanding Educator

Story by Tiffany Doss

Steve Doss, principal and seventh- and eighth-grade teacher at Potomac Conference's Desmond T. Doss (DTD) Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Va., received the Columbia Union Conference Office of Education’s Outstanding Educator Award.

As a young man, Doss joined the Air Force and was later accepted into nursing school. Before he started his first semester, he cut his finger and needed stitches. “Right then and there, I decided nursing wasn’t for me,” he laughs. Instead, he pursued a history degree.

During this time, he attended an evangelism series and gave his life to God. After graduation his friend, Tammy Tomlin, then principal of DTD, gave him the opportunity to explore teaching as an aide. “Within two weeks, I knew this was the place for me,” says Doss. “God led me.”

Many recognize Doss’ ability to bridge the school and church to visiting families. “In a meeting, I distinctly remember Steve outlining all the non-Adventist students enrolled,” recalls Keith Hallam, vice president for education. “When completing his report, he was quick to add that he believed, before the school year closed, many students would accept Jesus as their personal Savior.”

Doss continued to develop his teaching certifications and now has a master’s in education.

“Steve is a big part of the school’s success story,” says Hallam. “He lives with integrity and always demonstrates kindness, love and compassion.”

Caption: Steve Doss receives the Outstanding Educator Award from Donovan Ross, Columbia Union associate director of education.